New Ulysse Nardin Grand Feu Small Seconds & Hourstriker Pin-up Watches

　　As many may already know,Ulysse Nardinwill no longer be present at Baselworld. Instead, it has chosen to join all the watch brands under the Richemont Group, along with numerous other independent watchmakers, to present its creations at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva. Consequently, Ulysse Nardin has become a vibrant new force among the exhibiting brands starting their early previews. Ahead of its debut at this watchmaking event, the brand released two new timepieces in advance: the understated and refined Ulysse Nardin Classico Enamel Guilloché Dial Watch, and the captivatingly seductive and complex Hourstriker Pin-up Watch.

　　Ulysse Nardin Classico Enamel Guilloché Dial Watch

　　As the name suggests, the Ulysse Nardin Classico Grand Feu Enamel Guilloché Dial Watch seamlessly blends numerous outstanding qualities in its design. First is the case: classic and understated in appearance, paired with a deep blue dial that looks exceptionally elegant and refreshing. The 40mm diameter is not overly large, yet perfectly sized to showcase classic refinement on the wrist. Crafted in stainless steel, the case avoids any ostentation, and the use of stainless steel is certainly a welcome feature for enthusiasts' wallets. Inside, the watch is powered by the manufacture Cal.UN-320 automatic movement, fitted with a silicon balance spring and anchor escapement (Ulysse Nardin being a pioneer in the use of silicon, as seen in the FreakWing Tourbillon), delivering a 48-hour power reserve.

　　Beyond these features, the standout highlight of this timepiece is its extraordinarily exquisite dial. The dial is crafted by Donzé Cadrans, a specialist enamel dial manufacturer belonging to the Ulysse Nardin group and a world-renowned master in the field of enamelling. The "Grand Feu" enamel dial of this Ulysse Nardin Classico small seconds watch displays a rich blue hue that radiates a distinct charm under sunlight, a charm derived directly from the underlying guilloché pattern. Translucent enamel is poured over a guilloché dial engraved with a sunray wave motif before being fired in a kiln, ultimately achieving this uniquely exquisite appearance.

　　Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Pin-up Minute Striker watch

　　I believe any man would love this watch, as it is designed around the theme of a sexy, charming showgirl, while combining two of the brand's high-watchmaking crafts: an automaton and a sonnerie function. Do not be deceived by its simple appearance. First, the 'Hourstriker' in its name refers to an exceptional complication; the watch will accurately chime the time every hour or half-hour, or when the wearer presses the button at the 4 o'clock position. Pressing the button at the two o'clock position deactivates this function. The Hourstriker Pin-up watch measures 43mm and features the traditional Ulysse Nardin design. The brand offers two versions for consumers, rose gold and platinum, with each model strictly limited to 28 pieces.

　　The second point to highlight is the fascinating feature on the dial, which is the main attraction of this watch. The brand has used miniature painting to portray a sensual pin-up dancer and two face-to-face peacocks on the dial. Ulysse Nardin describes this whimsical scene as: 'A gorgeous, captivating pin-up dancer wearing a red flower in her hair and sexy high-heeled sandals, teasing the audience before her with an enchanting pose and alluring gaze, her flawless body partially concealed behind colourful peacock feathers.' While the miniature painting is beautiful, it is also a time-consuming and labour-intensive task, requiring Ulysse Nardin's artisans 50 to 90 hours to complete. Even more astonishingly, these beautiful motifs are moving automata; when the striking mechanism operates, the peacock on the left springs into motion, and the dancer's perfect form gradually reveals itself as the peacock's tail feathers fan out~~~